Please join us December 7-10, 2020, for a series of presentations relating to restoring and protecting the Great Lakes. Topics will center around the theme of the democratization of water, including cultivating authentic partnerships, community engagement, Great Lake policy, equity and justice, and water infrastructure funding and decision-making. We’ll discuss ways that Great Lakes advocates, NGOs, communities, and institutions can participate in decision-making around water issues.
We’re thrilled to announce that Mandela Barnes, the Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin, will be joining HOW Coalition Board member Brenda Coley of Milwaukee Water Commons for a keynote presentation to kick off the series on Monday, December 7!
December 7-10, 2020
Join us for the following sessions. Come to any combination of events – registration is free and open to all. You must register for each event individually – calendar appointments will be sent from zoom for each event following registration. Please save your confirmation emails as they will contain unique links to join each session.
Monday, December 7
Keynote Speaker: Mandela Barnes, Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin
Moderated by Brenda Coley, Milwaukee Water Commons
Time: 11:00-11:45am eastern
Tuesday, December 8
Panel Discussion: Cultivating Authentic Partnerships with Tribes and Tribal Leaders
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 PM Eastern
This webinar will walk through the Ottaway River Dam Removal Project, a River Reborn, in the eyes of the seven grandfather teachings and discuss ways to cultivate relationships through shared vision
Speakers: Brett Fessell, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians,
Tina Frankenberger, Tribal Councilor, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians,
Kira Davis, Conservation Resource Alliance,
Panel Discussion: Engagement and Organizing in Great Lakes Communities
Time: 3:00 – 4:30 Eastern
Join us for information and examples on how communities around the region can have a voice – whether it is through organizing around an issue, engagement around a project, or finding new ways to build power in a community.
Speakers: Paco Ollervides, Green Leadership Trust,
Nicole Brown, Detroit Future City,
Anna-Lisa Castle, Alliance for the Great Lakes,
Wednesday, December 9
Presentation: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative 101: Policy and Funding
Want to know more about the GLRI? How decisions get made? Join this session for a review the basics of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative works.
Time: 1:00-2:30pm eastern
Speaker: Chad Lord, Policy Director, Healing Our Waters—Great Lakes Coalition
Presentation: Equity and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
Time: 3:00-4:00pm eastern
The HOW Coalition is just wrapping up a study of the GLRI through an equity lens and will share the methodology and the recommended initial next steps to advance and further equitable and just outcomes.
Speakers: Anna Brunner, National Wildlife Federation,
Crystal Davis, Alliance for the Great Lakes
Thursday, December 10
Panel Discussion: State Revolving Funds: A State-Level Program View
Time: 1:00-2:30pm eastern
Join experts from around the region to learn more about water infrastructure funding and the State Revolving Funds, including how the funding mechanism works in different states, where funding is being directed, what avenues are available to seek funding, and what work is being done to improve the program.
Speakers: Cyndi Roper, Natural Resources Defense Council
Anthonia Ogudipe, Alliance for the Great Lakes,
Pete Bucher, Ohio Environmental Council,